7 German shepherd dogs euthanized after apparent poisoning

Published 8:00 pm, Tuesday, October 5, 2010

By STACY LANGLEY

Tribune Staff Writer

COLFAX TWP —The Humane Society of America is offering a $2,500 reward leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person(s) involved in an apparent poisoning of seven German shepherd dogs.

Hanson said the dog owner, Rachael L. Matson, told police her daughter noticed that seven, (four young and three adult German shepherds) of their nine dogs were very sick.

The Bad Axe Animal Clinic was called and a veterinarian was sent to the Richardson Road property to examine the animals.

“It appears that during the day, an individual or individuals entered the unlocked kennel and put antifreeze in the dogs’ water,” Hanson said. “The on-scene veterinarian determined that the dogs were in such bad shape that a decision was made to euthanize the four young and three adult dogs.”

Animal blood samples and the suspected contaminated water samples were taken. Bismack was assisted by Trooper Jason Berg from the Michigan State Police Post in Bad Axe in gathering other evidence.

The Humane Society of the United States reports getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.

“Poisoning is a terribly cruel way to die, which is why deliberately poisoning an animal is a felony crime in Michigan,” said Jill Fritz, state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “The Humane Society of the United States is hopeful that this reward will help find the person(s) responsible for the intense suffering these dogs experienced.”

Hanson said the matter remains under investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Huron County Sheriff’s Office at (989) 269-6500 during regular business hours, or Huron Central Dispatch at (989)269-6421 after regular business hours.